⚽ ST JAMES PARK ⚽

Exeter City FC – Your Complete Travel Guide

🏟️ ABOUT ST JAMES PARK

St James Park stands as one of English football’s most characterful and uniquely positioned stadiums. Located in the heart of Exeter with a railway line running directly behind one stand, this intimate ground has served as home to Exeter City FC – “The Grecians” – since 1904. The stadium sits on land with fascinating history; for over 250 years before football, the site was used for pig farming, and Lady Anne Clifford used rental proceeds to fund apprenticeships for poor children from St Stephen’s Parish as far back as 1654. When Exeter United FC (who became Exeter City) took over the land in 1904, the lease amusingly stipulated that “no menageries, shows, circuses or steam roundabouts” were permitted!

Today’s stadium has an operational capacity of 8,219 (certified at 8,720 but reduced 10% on standing terraces for safety), making it one of League One’s most intimate venues. The ground underwent significant redevelopment in 2017-18, when the old Grandstand was demolished and replaced by the modern Stagecoach Adam Stansfield Stand (named after both the sponsor and the former player, who tragically died of cancer in 2010).

The famous Thatchers Big Bank terrace remains the largest standing terrace in the EFL, with a capacity of 3,960, creating an atmospheric home end where The Grecians’ most passionate supporters gather. St James Park uniquely boasts the only operating matchday railway station in the entire English Football League – St James Park Station sits literally adjacent to the ground on the London Waterloo line!

Exeter City is a supporter-owned club following financial difficulties in the early 2000s when police raided the club and removed the chairman for questioning. The Supporters Trust took control and has run the club successfully ever since, with the academy serving as a vital source of talent and income.

The record attendance of 20,984 was set in 1931 for an FA Cup Sixth Round Replay against Sunderland (Exeter lost 4-2). The club’s nickname, “The Grecians,” derives from Exeter’s Roman name, “Isca Dumnoniorum,” and the city’s ancient Greek connections. In November 2024, Exeter City secured a new 25-year lease on St James Park, whilst also agreeing to conduct a feasibility study into potentially relocating as part of Exeter City Council’s Local Plan provisions.

📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS

🚗 GETTING TO ST JAMES PARK

St James Park enjoys an outstanding central location in Exeter, situated approximately 1 mile northeast of the city centre. The stadium’s unique selling point is its own dedicated railway station – St James Park Station – which sits literally adjacent to the ground! This makes it THE easiest EFL ground to reach by train, with services running from Exeter St David’s (mainline station), Exeter Central, Exmouth, and Paignton.

The stadium is also easily accessible from Junction 30 of the M5, though parking at the ground itself is not available to supporters. Exeter’s position in Devon makes it a longer journey for most away fans, but the excellent train access via Exeter St David’s (served by GWR from London Paddington, Bristol, Birmingham, and the Midlands/North, plus CrossCountry services) makes this surprisingly manageable.

🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP

St James Park Address: Stadium Way, Exeter, Devon, EX4 6PX

🚂 BY TRAIN – THE ONLY EFL GROUND WITH ITS OWN MATCHDAY STATION!

This is genuinely brilliant! St James Park Station sits literally adjacent to the stadium and operates on matchdays with regular services from Exeter St David’s mainline station via Exeter Central. The station shares its name with the ground and runs on the London Waterloo line, serving Exeter St David’s, Exeter Central, Exmouth, and Paignton. Trains run approximately hourly on Saturdays (usually arriving at 10 minutes to the hour). The journey from Exeter St David’s takes approximately 13 minutes and costs just 90p! From Exeter Central, it’s even shorter – approximately a 10-minute walk. This makes St James Park THE most accessible EFL stadium by train!

Directions from Exeter St David’s Mainline Station: Take the local train service to St James Park Station (13 mins, 90p) OR walk 20-25 minutes. To walk: exit the station at the eastern end, head towards the city centre, then northeast to the stadium. St James Park is clearly signposted. Walking is perfectly manageable and takes you through Exeter’s attractive city centre with plenty of pubs and food options en route!

Reaching Exeter St David’s Mainline Station:

💡 Top Tip: St James Park Station is genuinely unique in the EFL – no other club has a station right by the ground that operates on matchdays! The 13-minute, 90p journey from Exeter St David’s is brilliant value. Alternatively, walking from Exeter St David’s (20-25 mins) or Exeter Central (10 mins) takes you through the city centre with excellent pub and food options. This is one of the most train-friendly away days in English football!

🔗 Plan Your Journey: nationalrail.co.uk | gwr.com

🚗 BY CAR – City Centre Car Parks (NO Stadium Parking)

Driving to St James Park is straightforward from the M5, though parking requires planning. There is NO parking for supporters at the stadium, and ALL streets surrounding the ground operate residents-only schemes, vigorously patrolled by traffic wardens. However, several Exeter City Council car parks are located within 10-15 minutes’ walk of the ground, and Park & Ride services drop off in the city centre (short walk to stadium).

Driving Directions:

• From M5 Junction 30: Follow signs for Exeter city centre along Sidmouth Road (A379), then Rydon Lane (A3015). Take the Sidmouth Road turn-off (B3183) towards the city centre. Continue onto Heavitree Road. At the large roundabout, take the 4th exit onto Western Way. At the next roundabout, take 2nd exit onto Old Tiverton Road, then left into St James Road/Stadium Way.
• Alternative from M5 Junction 29: Exit westbound onto A3015 (Honiton Road). Follow onto B3183 (Heavitree Road) for 2 miles past Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital. At the roundabout, take the 4th exit onto Western Way, then the 2nd exit onto Old Tiverton Road.
• From East (A303/A30): Follow towards Exeter past the airport and under the M5 bridge at Junction 29, then follow the above directions.
• Postcode for Sat-Nav: EX4 6PX

Parking Options:

• Exeter City Council Car Parks: Several located within 10-15 minutes’ walk. Checkthe  Exeter City Council website for locations and current prices.
• Park & Ride: Exeter operates Park & Ride services that drop off in the city centre (a short walk to the ground). Maximum £3 fare for local Stagecoach services.
• Street Parking: If willing to walk, spaces are available approximately 1 mile from the ground past the turning for the stadium along Old Tiverton Road. At the roundabout near the Stoke Arms, take the 3rd exit, and park further along the left side. About a 15-minute walk to the stadium.
• Morrisons: Some away fans report pre-booking parking at Morrisons (approximately 1 mile walk, mostly uphill).

⚠️ CRITICAL: NO parking at the stadium. ALL surrounding streets are residents-only with vigorous traffic warden patrols. DO NOT risk parking in residential areas – you WILL be ticketed! Use city centre car parks or Park & Ride. Alternatively, park at Sowton & Digby train station (two stops from St James Park Station) for easy access.

💡 Top Tip: Honestly, the train is SO much easier! Park at Sowton & Digby station (M5 Junction 30), then take the train two stops to St James Park Station, right by the ground. Many away fans use this brilliant method. Alternatively, use city centre car parks and walk 10-15 minutes to the stadium.

🍺 PUBS & DRINKS NEAR ST JAMES PARK

✅ EXCELLENT NEWS: Exeter City’s Social Club at the ground admits home and away supporters! Additionally, Exeter’s city centre (en route from the mainline station) offers numerous excellent pubs. The Bowling Green near the ground and several city centre options welcome away fans. With the easy walk from Exeter St David’s or Central stations, you’ll pass plenty of great drinking options!

🍺 At the Ground

🍺 Near the Ground

🍺 City Centre (En Route from Stations)

🍔 Pre-Match Food Options

KFC on Old Tiverton Road east of the stadium. Domino’s Pizza and numerous chip shops, including Paradise Tandoori, are also on Old Tiverton Road. Burger vans outside the ground before matches. Inside stadium: burgers, hot dogs, pies, sausage rolls, chips. Sausage and bacon baps are reportedly very good! A full cooked breakfast is available for early arrivals. Traditional football food.

⚽ Grecians Tip: The Social Club at the ground is brilliant for away fans – decent beer, limited food, right at the stadium! If you prefer a proper pub, The Bowling Green (15 mins walk) is friendly and welcoming. For those arriving by train, The Jolly Porter, right by St David’s Station or The Black Horse, near Exeter Central, are excellent first stops. The walk from the station to the ground passes through the city centre with loads of pub options!

🍽️ WHERE TO EAT IN EXETER

Exeter offers excellent dining options from quick pre-match bites to quality sit-down meals. The city centre (which you’ll walk through from the stations to the ground) provides a wide choice, whilst Old Tiverton Road east of the stadium has several fast-food options. Exeter’s historic quayside area offers waterfront restaurants perfect for Saturday night after the match.

🍔 Quick Options Near Stadium

🍽️ Exeter City Centre

🌊 Exeter Quayside (Evening/Weekend)

🍺 Pub Food

⚽ Away Fans’ Tip: Walking from Exeter St David’s or Central stations to the ground takes you through the city centre with loads of food options – grab lunch en route! The chip shops and KFC on Old Tiverton Road are convenient near the stadium. For Saturday night, explore Exeter Quayside’s waterfront restaurants – beautiful setting! The stadium serves decent traditional football food, including sausage and bacon baps.

🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN EXETER

Exeter offers excellent accommodation options as a popular tourist city with Roman heritage, a cathedral, a university, and attractive surroundings. Hotels range from budget chains to historic coaching inns. Most cluster around the city centre and stations, perfect for matchday access. Book ahead for Saturday fixtures, especially during university term time.

💷 Budget Options (£50-90 per night)

💷💷 Mid-Range Options (£80-130 per night)

💷💷💷 Higher-End Options (£100-180+ per night)

⚽ Booking Tip: Premier Inn Exeter City Centre, literally over the road from St David’s Station, is perfect for rail travellers – a 25-minute walk to the ground through the city centre. Leonardo Hotel Exeter is just 5 minutes walk from St James Park!

Both offer excellent value. Book early for Saturday fixtures. Exeter is a lovely city to explore, so consider making a weekend of it – the Quayside, Cathedral, Underground Passages, and surrounding Devon countryside offer plenty to see!

🎯 THINGS TO DO AROUND EXETER

Exeter is a beautiful historic city offering far more than just football! The magnificent Norman cathedral, Roman heritage, medieval Underground Passages, attractive Quayside, and its position as a gateway to Devon’s stunning coastline make this an outstanding away-day destination for a full weekend. The city’s compact size means most attractions are easily walkable.

Devon Attractions (Perfect Weekend Additions)

⚽ ESSENTIAL AWAY FAN TIPS

💭 FINAL THOUGHTS

St James Park offers one of the most unique and charming away days in English football! The stadium’s own railway station – the ONLY operating matchday station in the entire EFL – makes this extraordinarily accessible by train, with the 13-minute, 90p journey from Exeter St David’s mainline station genuinely brilliant.

The intimate 8,219-capacity ground retains wonderful character, including the famous Thatchers Big Bank (the largest standing terrace in the EFL), whilst away fans can choose between a 1,045-capacity uncovered standing terrace or 350 covered seats in the main stand. The Social Club at the ground welcomes away supporters,

The Bowling Green pub nearby is friendly, and the walk from Exeter’s mainline stations passes through the attractive city centre with loads of food and drink options.

Exeter itself is a beautiful, historic city that makes this more than just a football trip into a proper weekend destination. The magnificent Norman cathedral (one of England’s finest), medieval Underground Passages, picturesque Quayside, and position as gateway to Dartmoor National Park and the Jurassic Coast make this outstanding for combining football with sightseeing.

The lack of stadium parking is irrelevant when train access is this good – just park at Sowton & Digby station and take the train for 2 stops to St James Park Station, right by the ground! Exeter City’s supporter-owned status adds to the welcoming atmosphere for away fans.

The combination of the UK’s most accessible EFL stadium by train, supporter-owned club hospitality, an intimate historic ground, and one of England’s most beautiful cities makes Exeter City an absolutely outstanding League One away day!

❤️ Come On The Grecians! 🤍

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❤️ Part of the Football Nonsense League One Away Days Collection

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